Exports drive growth of aluminum foil production in Europe

Exports were 28 percent ahead of the first half of 2013, although European delivery volumes remain flat with demand showing a very small decline of 0.2 percent compared with last year.

In the six month period to June, overall production was 434,100 tonnes, 2.5 percent above the 2013 figure. Thinner gauges, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils, held steady with growth of just 0.9 percent, but continuing the increases seen for the last five quarters.

Thicker gauges, used typically for semi-rigid containers and technical applications, held on to the gains seen in the first quarter, with deliveries running 6.3 percent higher than 2013.

Figures for the second quarter recorded a small drop in demand of 0.5 percent, but this is largely due to seasonal demand factors, with growth expected to continue throughout the year across all sectors according to EAFA.

Manfred Mertens, EAFA roller group chairman, said: ‘The continuous growth is promising but we have to pay attention to the current political and economic situation in Europe which might affect that growth path. There are still many opportunities for aluminium foil in the food as well as industrial sector due to its special properties.’